I’ve always been fascinated with the art of palm weaving and braiding, even though it’s something that I am terrible at! (I included it in my 40 Ideas for 40 Days). During one of the years that I was a parish DRE, I discovered that one of my catechists was an expert palm-weaver and braider. Just like that, we put together the easiest intergenerational event in history. After Mass on Palm Sunday, we invited families to come to the parish hall for coffee and donuts and a demonstration of palm weaving and braiding. The catechist gave directions and then sent out a crew of teens to walk around the hall to assist people as they braided their palms. We then gave some hints on places in the home where the palms could be displayed. It was a joyful event (with an overflow crowd) with very low “overhead” since the palms are part of the day’s liturgical celebration.
Here are two links to sites that provide background and demonstrations on palm weaving and braiding:
Catholic Inspired
Blessed Palms in the Home
Great post, and just in time, Joe.
I also like this site: http://www.palmweaving.net/
Gene Fedeli, originally from Rockford, is the guy who taught me how to do this years ago. His fountains and sprays made from full palm branches for the altar and Palm Sunday procession are spectacular. It’s a wonderful tradition.